Latest news with #EddieKhoury
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Changes proposed to Pennsylvania state song advances
(WHTM) — A resolution to study replacing the Pennsylvania state song received bipartisan support and will advance to the State Senate. House Resolution 25, sponsored by Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146) among others, aims to establish the Pennsylvania State Song Commission to study the history of the State song of the Commonwealth, solicit submissions for a new State song, and recommend changes to the State song. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now According to the resolution's memo, in 1990, after years of contentious debate, the state legislature adopted 'Pennsylvania' by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner as the official state song of Pennsylvania. The lawmaker's memo says Pennsylvania has changed greatly since the state song was adopted, and lawmakers should consider updating our state song to better embody the state's current spirit. 'A compelling state song drives tourism,' Rep. Ciresi said. 'Our state song should extoll all the things that make Pennsylvania great in a catchy, memorable way. Think about it: Ray Charles singing Georgia is always on his mind, John Denver about West Virginia's country roads, and the millions of songs extolling New York. These songs have lodged themselves in the public's mind about these states. And Pennsylvania? We have an utterly forgettable song that does not represent the dynamic state we are living in. With the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up in 2026, the Keystone State of our country should have a song worth singing, that represents who we are as a people.' H.R. 25 is now on its way to the state Senate for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is Pennsylvania's state song? Rep. looks to nominate new music with bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Did you know that Pennsylvania has a state song? It's true – the state song is 'Pennsylvania' by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner, which was adopted in 1990. State law established that song as the official song of the Commonwealth for all public purposes, and the music is often performed at public events. Now, State Representative Joe Ciresi (D – Montgomery) is looking to change the song with his new legislation. Ciresi argued that it has been more than three decades since the state song was adopted and that it is time to consider updating the music to better 'embody the spirit of our great state.' 'State symbols bring us together,' The legislation reads. 'When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians.' Ciresi's legislation is a re-introduction of a resolution that looks to establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public and recommend changes to the state song. Legislators would then have the option of passing the change based on the commission's recommendation. Previously, in February, Senator Judith Schwank (D – Berks), introduced a bill that aimed to change the state song from the aforementioned 'Pennsylvania' to 'My Pennsylvania Home' by David Kline. Schwank noted in her legislation that Kline, a born and raised Pennsylvanian composer, has served as an international music ambassador for Pennsylvania for more than three decades. Ciresi's bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by eight other Pennsylvania House Representatives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
